Darrel Tollefson

Darrel Ferdinand Tollefson, 75, a resident of rural Fergus Falls, died Wednesday, October 19, 2011, at his home. Darrel was born February 18, 1936, in Pelican Rapids, Minnesota, the son of Ferdinand and Alma (Gustafson) Tollefson. He was confirmed at Augustana Lutheran Church in Fergus Falls. He attended Fergus Falls High School. Darrel was a mechanic at Ebersviller Implement, the National Guard, and was a Dairy Farmer. On March 21, 1959, he was united in marriage to Audrey J. Grewe at Trefoldighed Lutheran Church in Battle Lake. They built their home on a farm near Fergus Falls, where they lived and worked side by side and raised their family. Darrel was a very respected, loving, and caring Dad, grandfather, and great-grandfather. He was an avid John Deere collector and enthusiast, a mechanic, dairy farmer, wood worker, and enjoyed visiting. He liked to ride around in his John Deere tractors. He was a huge Twins fan, and enjoyed his candy bars. He was a member of Augustana Lutheran Church in Elizabeth, where he was active with the church council and building and maintenance. Preceding him in death were his wife of 50 years, Audrey, who passed away on October 10, 2009; his parents, Ferdinand and Alma Tollefson; a niece, Rita Saurer; and other relatives. Survivors include his four children: Janet (Norbert) Bueckers of Cushing, MN, Joyce (Brook) Haus of Fergus Falls, Leslie Tollefson of Fergus Falls, and LeAnn (Chad) Frenzel of Bemidji; nine grandchildren: Joanie (Chad) Miller of Long Prairie, Jacqueline (Travis) DiGiovanni of Motley, David (Nichole) Bueckers of Buckman, Mandy (Joseph) Hanneman of Rothsay, Monica (Adam) Petersen of Moorhead, Jeremy (Kara) Haus of Dilworth, Joshua (Kate) Haus of Fergus Falls, Meghan Frenzel of Bemidji, and Brendan Frenzel of Bemidji; 16 great-grandchildren: Emily and Addison Miller, Abbigail, Ethan, Ellizabeth, Andrea and Anthony DiGiovanni, Baley and Mackena Bueckers, Peyton and Kacyn Hanneman, Karlie and Drew Petersen, Colin Haus, Griffin and Maddox Haus; two sisters: Deloris (Homer) Godel of Moorhead, and Lyla (Tom) Saurer of Fergus Falls; and a brother, Marlow (Ilene) Tollefson of Fergus Falls. Visitation: 5-7 p.m. Friday at the funeral home with a 7 p.m. prayer service and resumes one hour prior to the service at the church Service: 11 a.m. Saturday, October 22, 2011, at Augustana Lutheran Church in Elizabeth Clergy: Reverend Kate Bruns Interment: Augustana Lutheran Church Cemetery in Elizabeth Olson Funeral Home in Fergus Falls is in charge of the arrangements